Science says there’s no such thing as a sugar rush – it’s actually a “sugar crash”

Some people mistakenly believe that consuming sugary snacks and beverages can give them a sugar rush, or increased energy and alertness. However, a study published in the journal Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews warns that sugar worsens your mood and makes you feel more tired.

Sugar rush vs. sugar crash

The researchers investigated the myth of the “sugar rush” and whether sugar consumption has a positive effect on mood. They found that sugar doesn’t improve a person’s mood. In fact, it can make individuals less alert and more tired after consumption.

In the study, Dr. Konstantinos Mantantzis (Humboldt University), Professor Elizabeth Maylor and Dr. Friederike Schlaghecken (University of Warwick’s Department of Psychology), and Dr. Sandra Sunram-Lea (Lancaster University) used data from 31 published studies involving at least 1300 adult participants. The researchers studied the effect of sugar on various aspects of mood such as alertness, anger, depression, and fatigue.

The researchers found that, regardless of how much sugar is consumed or whether or not the participants engaged in demanding activities afterward, sugar consumption has almost no effect on mood.

The volunteers who consumed sugar felt more tired and less alert than those who didn’t. These findings debunkthe idea of a “sugar rush.“

The researchers hope that their study can be used to dispel the myth of the “sugar rush.” They also hope that it can encourage people to minimize their sugar consumption for the sake of their well-being.

Mantantzis, who led the study, says the notion that sugar consumption can improve mood has been widely influential in popular culture. This has resulted in individuals around the world consuming sugary beverages to become more alert or prevent fatigue. Unfortunately, the study shows that these claims are unsubstantiated and that sugar makes people feel worse.

Sunram-Lea concluded that the increase in reports of diabetes, obesity, and metabolic syndrome in the last few years emphasizes the need for evidence-based dietary strategies to promote a healthy lifestyle.

Tips to cut sugar from your diet

It can be difficult to reduce your sugar intake if you love sweet snacks and beverages. But if you want to improve your overall well-being and maintain a healthy weight, follow these tips to cut down on sugar.